Prime Minister Orbán opened his radio interview by highlighting the significance of Donald Trump’s electoral success. “This isn’t just a victory visible from the Moon but from Mars,” he remarked, underscoring his belief that having a U.S. president who values Hungary as an ally creates new economic prospects never before seen. He also drew attention to the ongoing European Political Community Summit in Budapest, noting that this event reflects Hungary’s rising profile and respect on the global stage.
PM Orbán expressed his optimism for Hungary’s role in shaping a stable and prosperous Europe amid security challenges. Reflecting on past global events, he remarked that Trump’s re-election could have altered the course of recent history, suggesting that global conflicts might have been mitigated had Trump been leading the U.S. over the past two years. With Trump back in office, PM Orbán believes there’s a chance for Europe to adapt to new geopolitical realities, particularly concerning the financial burdens of supporting the ongoing Ukraine war.
PM Orbán said the war is “perhaps the hottest potato,” but that Donald Trump is the kind of leader who despises conflict. While acknowledging the bravery of Ukrainian forces, the prime minister stated that Europe alone cannot bear the financial burden of the war. He pointed out a growing, albeit quiet, faction within Europe calling for adaptation to the current realities. "Hungary was right all along," he remarked, reinforcing his view that while issues like gender and migration are significant, the war’s resolution demands urgent international cooperation, and he expects the U.S. to eventually withdraw its involvement.
On the economic front, the prime minister said Hungary’s economic trajectory is looking bright for 2025, with conditions now set to favor a "peace budget" over a "war budget," a shift he attributes to Trump’s return. This distinction, he said, is pivotal, as it can ease inflationary pressures and offer Hungarian families better financial stability. Prime Minister Orbán also pointed out the country’s economic growth potential, with Hungary poised to maximize its unique advantages under the evolving global landscape.
Reflecting on Hungary’s position in Europe, PM Orbán emphasized the importance of Hungarian self-interest, which he sees as key to developing beneficial international relationships. Rejecting any notion of Hungary being too small to act independently, he asserted, “We are a great nation, and there are successful nations of our size that have thrived by pursuing their own interests.”
At the informal EU summit today in Budapest, PM Orbán noted that Hungary is ready for “an intellectually stimulating debate” on issues like energy costs and migration. Highlighting a recently prepared report by Mario Draghi, he commented on Europe’s economic competitiveness and the pressing need to address rising energy costs.
The prime minister closed the interview by reaffirming Hungary’s stance on national sovereignty and pragmatic international cooperation, indicating that Hungary is prepared to meet these challenges head-on.